Brand Overview
The Design Can is a duo of product designers straight out of Pratt Institute. While some may classify them as part of a neo-modernist movement in the vein of 
Mint or Mio Culture, they often lean towards total unclassifiability, as great design always does. If you're looking for humor in your modernism, they are the people to see.
Arrrr Mirror:
Brand History
After earning their BFAs in Industrial Design in 2003, Steven Tomlinson and Jeannie Choe founded The Design Can, a firm that celebrates a lighter, but just as beautiful, side of design.
A brief interview with Jeannie:
- Q. Many of your products are designed with a certain level of humor. Was that one of the original goals when The Design Can was founded?
A. We certainly encourage the feeling of joy/humor/curiosity in the user. We most definitely design with that in mind- all the time, every time.
- Q. Has any sad person/professor ever tried to tell you that design should not be funny?
A. It happens. However, we are never swayed by such comments, as we strongly believe in what we do.
- Q. I feel a little like I know the designers when I look at your products. Do you gravitate towards design that is infused with a lot of the designer's personality?
A. While we both have an excellent sense of humor, we are polar opposites when it comes to personality; therefore the blend is unique and fresh.
- Q. Are there any designers or products that influence your work or the way you think?
A. We reference things to design on a daily basis- we don't discriminate. Our inspiration is derived from a myriad of experiences and thoughts jumbled up in our brains. We have the most respect for those designers and artists who obviously don't give a rat’s ass about what anyone thinks- and they do their art/design because they feel strongly about it and are honest about it.
- Q. How many hours a week do you work? Have there been any obstacles in your quest to design a product for The Design Can?
A. We both work other jobs in order to survive in this crazy city. We spend every waking moment of free time that we have available in dedication to The Design Can. Our main obstacles are financial, but that is slowly improving with increased media exposure and product distribution. The biggest obstacle, of course, is being discovered and being offered that "big break" opportunity. We're patient though, and we're working on it.
Recent Collections
The Self-Portrait Mirror Collection (putting a twist on the concept of vanity by interacting with the user's reflection; several installments not pictured):
The Draft, Face Value, Flock of Seagulls, and Nice Rack Mirror:
Superfuluous Candelabrum (yes, that is an eye dropper full of water; the name explains it all):
Achoo Table (seating and Kleenex storage, combined at last):
Parcel Table (slightly less humorous but twice as functional; hardware free and flat packed for storage and moving):
External Links
The Design Can (official site)
Follow Function (retailer)
Category
Owner: "followfunction" Last edited on December 19, 2006 3:44 pm by "followfunction"
